Big Blue crosses pond to buy UK intell analytics firm

IBM Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire i2 to accelerate its business analytics initiatives and help public- and private-sector clients address crime, fraud and security threats.

Financial terms of the deal between IBM and the Silver Lake Sumeru-led investor group that owns i2 were not disclosed in IBM’s Aug. 31 announcement.

With more than 4,500 customers in 150 countries, i2 is a provider of intelligence analytics for crime and fraud prevention based in Cambridge, England, with U.S. headquarters in McLean, Va.

Upon completion of the acquisition, i2 will be integrated into IBM's Software Group.

I2 has global clients in the banking, defense, health care, insurance, law enforcement, national security and retail fields. Its solutions are used by 12 of the top 20 retail banks and eight of the top 10 largest companies in the world, the announcement states.

“Today’s acquisition will extend IBM’s leadership in helping clients harness this data through the addition of i2’s intelligence analysis and tactical lead-generation capabilities, which help cities, nations, international bodies and private enterprises combat fraud and security threats,” IBM officials said in the announcement.

Using IBM’s real-time analytical solutions in combination with i2’s technologies, local, state and federal authorities can harness new intelligence to instantly detect and respond to security threats. Investigative leads can be identified quickly, helping government agencies solve crimes faster and keep officers and communities safer, the announcement states.

“The combined capabilities of IBM and i2 will help customers uncover patterns and trends that will allow them to more effectively protect the privacy and safety of citizens, businesses and governments,” said Craig Hayman, general manager of industry solutions at IBM.

The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011, subject to customary closing conditions and applicable regulatory reviews.

IBM, of Armonk, N.Y., ranks No. 21 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.

About the Author

David Hubler is the former print managing editor for GCN and senior editor for Washington Technology. He is freelance writer living in Annandale, Va.

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